A FORMER workshop and office site in Guisborough is to be turned into a funeral home.

Councillors have agreed that the development is likely to improve the area around Park Lane and Venables Road.

Conditions on the scheme will protect residents' interests.

People living nearby had raised concerns about traffic problems, parking, overnight activity and screening.

Members of Redcar and Cleveland planning committee heard on Wednesday that the former premises of Associated Power Services were in a mainly residential area but there was a school and a bike store nearby.

A report recommending approval said re-use as a funeral home would not compromise the aims of the local plan or harm the environment.

It was felt plans to alter the building would improve its appearance and enhance the street scene. The applicants had agreed to screen the premises at the rear.

Conditions for approval include parking and screening plans to be submitted and details of methods to be used to protect trees from construction work.

Coun Mike Stephen, acting chairman of the planning committee, said: "Everyone agreed this would probably improve the area. With the conditions we have imposed, it was felt it was right to approve the application."

Sheep spread

epidemic

says chief vet

SIXTEEN infected sheep are believed to have caused the foot-and-mouth epidemic.

Mr Jim Scudamore, the government's chief veterinary officer, told a Commons committee that the sheep probably inhaled highly contagious air from infected pigs at the farm believed to be the original source of the outbreak at Heddon-on-the-Wall.

The sheep were then taken to Hexham market, from which six went to dealers in Lancashire and ten went to Longtown market near Carlisle